American Expatriate Costa Rica

Court rejects trial for Syrian woman linked with fake passport

The Criminal Court of Alajuela deemed unnecessary to trial a Syrian woman accused of using a fake document.

The 32-year-old woman by the name of Bustati was arrested in November 2015 after entering the country using a Greek passport -apparently fake- in order to reach the United States along with another group of Syrians.

The Public Ministry confirmed that the preliminary hearing of the case was held on March 28th, when the criminal court issued a dismissal,

based on international treaties that protect those who have a refugee status.”

The prosecution appealed the resolution and is now awaiting a date to determine the outcome of the appeal.

The woman, of Syrian origin, continues to be subject to criminal proceedings, complying with the precautionary measures to sign every 15 days, impediment to leave the country, maintain a permanent address and a job (she currently works at a call center),”

said the prosecution .

Bustati arrived in Costa Rica in mid-November 2015 from South America, apparently bound for the United States. However, she was arrested in a capital aparthotel.

crhoy.com